Though not required, you may use a URITK page to gather your research for your final exam. The questions that you should address include:
What is the problem or issue?
"Race to the Top" is a program developed by the Obama administration that will encourage education reform through competition. Each state has the opportunity to compete for a part of $4.35 billion that will spark an interest in creating better schools across the country. In previous administrations there has been a 'dumbing down' of students from setting standards too low.(“The Race to the Top Begins—Remarks by Secretary Arne Duncan,” 2009)
What is the historical roots of this problem? What has been tried in the past?
In the past, the Department of Education has not had the funds that were necessary for reform and innovation, but now the federal government has $4.35 billion dollars to push for drastically improving our country's schools.
The administration will be looking for applications that show a very determined commitment for school reform. The funds will be given out in two rounds, which will allow the losing schools to change their plan and re-apply.(“The Race to the Top Begins—Remarks by Secretary Arne Duncan,” 2009)
Why is this issue important?
The reason why this administration is different than before; that it is putting such an emphasis on this issue is because Obama recognizes that schools' definition of "average" is much too low, and the high school drop out rates are much too high. Obama is also voicing his concern about the skills and value of a K-12 education. He believes that the quality of an American K-12 education needs to improve to compete with the students of India and China. President Obama also voices his belief that education is a "prerequisite for success", but too many schools do not prepare their students to succeed in college or a career.(“The Race to the Top Begins—Remarks by Secretary Arne Duncan,” 2009)
What are the current approaches?
The plan for Race to the Top is to find schools that are dedicated to reversing the low academic standards; the federal government wants to create an international standard of the K-12 education that is even with Shanghai and everywhere else on the globe. The belief is that this international standard or benchmark will be sufficient enough to adequately prepare students for success in college or a career. The Department of Education plans to set aside $350 million to create more rigorous state assessments. The Race to the Top also wants to encourage talented teachers and principles. They will look favorably on states and districts that are implementing programs that recognize and reward outstanding teachers as well as ways to keep that talent. This is especially valuable in high-poverty areas. States are expected to give incentives to outstanding teachers in such environments as well as make adjustments to get rid of or improve sub-par teachers. The Department of Education is also looking for states that recognize the very low-performing schools and plan to make a far-reaching reform plan that will stop the students from falling farther and farther behind.(“The Race to the Top Begins—Remarks by Secretary Arne Duncan,” 2009)
How does this problem/issue relate to RI schools? Is there evidence of a connection to the schools/districts/communities that we researched earlier?
What are your views, opinions, concerns, or solutions related to the problem?
- What is the problem or issue?
"Race to the Top" is a program developed by the Obama administration that will encourage education reform through competition. Each state has the opportunity to compete for a part of $4.35 billion that will spark an interest in creating better schools across the country. In previous administrations there has been a 'dumbing down' of students from setting standards too low.(“The Race to the Top Begins—Remarks by Secretary Arne Duncan,” 2009)- What is the historical roots of this problem? What has been tried in the past?
In the past, the Department of Education has not had the funds that were necessary for reform and innovation, but now the federal government has $4.35 billion dollars to push for drastically improving our country's schools.The administration will be looking for applications that show a very determined commitment for school reform. The funds will be given out in two rounds, which will allow the losing schools to change their plan and re-apply.(“The Race to the Top Begins—Remarks by Secretary Arne Duncan,” 2009)
- Why is this issue important?
The reason why this administration is different than before; that it is putting such an emphasis on this issue is because Obama recognizes that schools' definition of "average" is much too low, and the high school drop out rates are much too high. Obama is also voicing his concern about the skills and value of a K-12 education. He believes that the quality of an American K-12 education needs to improve to compete with the students of India and China. President Obama also voices his belief that education is a "prerequisite for success", but too many schools do not prepare their students to succeed in college or a career.(“The Race to the Top Begins—Remarks by Secretary Arne Duncan,” 2009)- What are the current approaches?
The plan for Race to the Top is to find schools that are dedicated to reversing the low academic standards; the federal government wants to create an international standard of the K-12 education that is even with Shanghai and everywhere else on the globe. The belief is that this international standard or benchmark will be sufficient enough to adequately prepare students for success in college or a career. The Department of Education plans to set aside $350 million to create more rigorous state assessments. The Race to the Top also wants to encourage talented teachers and principles. They will look favorably on states and districts that are implementing programs that recognize and reward outstanding teachers as well as ways to keep that talent. This is especially valuable in high-poverty areas. States are expected to give incentives to outstanding teachers in such environments as well as make adjustments to get rid of or improve sub-par teachers. The Department of Education is also looking for states that recognize the very low-performing schools and plan to make a far-reaching reform plan that will stop the students from falling farther and farther behind.(“The Race to the Top Begins—Remarks by Secretary Arne Duncan,” 2009)http://www.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html
(Gov. Carcieri signs legislature that will allow RI to compete for Race to the Top Funding)
http://www.ri.gov/GOVERNOR/view.php?id=10271
(Interview with Pres. Obama about Race to the Top Funding)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/23/AR2009072302938.html